GPT Image 1 API: Pricing, Features & Integration Guide
GPT Image 1 is OpenAI's production image generation model supporting text-to-image, image-to-image, and image editing (inpainting) modes. Through GPTImage2, each image costs $0.034 with no monthly minimum.
This guide covers what GPT Image 1 can do, how much it costs, how it compares to GPT Image 1.5, and how to integrate it into your application.
Last verified: April 2026 against GPTImage2 production pricing
GPT Image 1 Pricing
| Provider | Price per Image | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OpenAI direct | $0.042 | Standard rate |
| GPTImage2 | $0.034 | ~20% savings |
Pricing is per successfully generated image. Failed generations are not billed. No subscription or monthly minimum required on GPTImage2.
GPT Image 1 vs GPT Image 1.5: Which Should You Use?
| Feature | GPT Image 1 | GPT Image 1.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (GPTImage2) | $0.034 / image | $0.013 / image |
| Generation mode | Asynchronous | Synchronous |
| Text-to-image | Yes | Yes |
| Image editing | Yes (inpainting, masks) | Yes |
| Image-to-image | Yes | Yes |
| Text rendering | Good | Better (legible signs, labels) |
| Photorealism | High | Higher |
| Best for | Editing workflows, inpainting | Fast generation, marketing assets |
Choose GPT Image 1 when you need advanced image editing capabilities, mask-based inpainting, or asynchronous batch processing. Choose GPT Image 1.5 when you need faster synchronous generation, better text rendering, or lower per-image cost.
What Can You Build with GPT Image 1?
Text-to-Image Generation
Generate images from text descriptions. GPT Image 1 handles complex multi-element scenes, specific art styles, and photorealistic rendering.
Example use cases:
- Marketing banner generation from campaign briefs
- Product mockup creation for e-commerce listings
- Social media content automation
- Game concept art and character design
Image Editing with Masks
Edit specific regions of existing images using mask-based inpainting. Keep the parts you like, regenerate the rest.
Example use cases:
- Remove unwanted objects from product photos
- Change backgrounds while preserving subjects
- Add elements to existing scenes
- Fix imperfections in generated images
Image-to-Image Transformation
Use a reference image as a starting point and transform it based on text instructions.
Example use cases:
- Style transfer (photo to illustration, sketch to render)
- Product color variations from a single reference
- Season or lighting changes on architectural photos
How to Integrate GPT Image 1 API
Step 1: Get your API key
Sign up at gptimage2 and generate your API key from the dashboard. This single key works for GPT Image 1, GPT Image 1.5, and 200+ other models.
Step 2: Send a generation request
GPT Image 1 uses the OpenAI-compatible images endpoint:
import openai
client = openai.OpenAI(
api_key="your-gptimage2-api-key",
base_url="https://api.gptimage2/v1"
)
response = client.images.generate(
model="gpt-image-1",
prompt="A professional product photo of a ceramic coffee mug on a marble countertop, soft natural lighting, 4K quality",
n=1,
size="1024x1024"
)
image_url = response.data[0].url
Step 3: Image editing with masks
response = client.images.edit(
model="gpt-image-1",
image=open("original.png", "rb"),
mask=open("mask.png", "rb"),
prompt="Replace the background with a tropical beach at sunset",
n=1,
size="1024x1024"
)
Step 4: Deploy and monitor
Track usage and costs in the GPTImage2 dashboard. Set up billing alerts to control spend.
Supported Output Formats
| Parameter | Options |
|---|---|
| Size | 1024x1024, 1024x1792, 1792x1024 |
| Format | PNG, JPG, WebP |
| Quality | Standard, HD |
| Batch size | 1-4 images per request |
FAQ
How much does GPT Image 1 API cost?
GPT Image 1 costs $0.042 per image on OpenAI direct and $0.034 per image on GPTImage2. Pricing is per successful generation with no monthly minimum.
What is the difference between GPT Image 1 and gpt-image-1?
They are the same model. "GPT Image 1" is the display name and "gpt-image-1" is the API model ID you use in your requests.
Is GPT Image 1 cheaper than GPT Image 1.5?
No. GPT Image 1.5 is actually cheaper ($0.013/image on GPTImage2 vs $0.034 for GPT Image 1). GPT Image 1 is better suited for editing workflows and async batch processing, while GPT Image 1.5 is optimized for fast synchronous generation.
Does GPT Image 1 support image editing?
Yes. GPT Image 1 supports mask-based inpainting where you specify which regions to regenerate. This makes it suitable for background removal, object replacement, and targeted image modifications.
How do I access GPT Image 1 API?
Sign up on GPTImage2, generate an API key, and use the OpenAI-compatible images endpoint with model="gpt-image-1". GPTImage2 is 100% compatible with the OpenAI Python and Node.js SDKs.
Can I use GPT Image 1 generated images commercially?
Yes. Images generated through the API come with full commercial usage rights. You retain ownership of all generated content.
Try GPT Image 1 on GPTImage2 → | Compare with GPT Image 1.5 → | View pricing →
